Osteoarthritis Management Specialist

What is osteoarthritis?

There are numerous forms of arthritis, of which osteoarthritis is the most common. Like all arthritic conditions, osteoarthritis affects the joints, causing long-term pain.

It might occur in any joint but tends to be most common in the knees, hips, and hands. Your joints stiffen, weaken, and may swell or distort.

Advanced osteoarthritis can be severely disabling as well as cause constant pain.

What causes osteoarthritis?

Osteoarthritis develops when the cartilage covering the bones in your joints starts to wear and degrade. Articular cartilage is the smooth white coating that protects your bones, allowing them to slide over each other when you move the joint. After years of use, the cartilage thins and gradually disappears. Pits can develop in the exposed bones too.

The unprotected, roughened bones rub together, creating friction and inflammation. This is what causes the increasing pain, weakness, and stiffness. Because it takes years to develop, osteoarthritis most often affects people through mid to late life. But you could get it at a younger age, especially if you suffer a joint injury.

What is osteoarthritis management?

There’s no cure for arthritis, so osteoarthritis management focuses on relieving your symptoms.

Physical therapy is a vital element of osteoarthritis management. If you don’t keep moving, your joints stiffen and weaken more quickly, worsening your situation. On the other hand, overuse can cause painful flare-ups. Physical therapy helps you get the balance right.

Anti-inflammatory, pain-relief medications play an important part in osteoarthritis management for many patients. If oral drugs are losing their effectiveness, your Advanced Orthopedics & Sports Medicine provider can inject corticosteroids into the joints. These have a powerful, long-lasting, anti-inflammatory effect.

You can maximize the benefit of osteoarthritis management by losing weight and making healthier lifestyle choices.

Does osteoarthritis management involve surgery?

If you have advanced osteoarthritis and other treatments are no longer effective, your Advanced Orthopedics & Sports Medicine doctor might recommend surgery.

They specialize in performing joint replacement surgery, which they can often do on an outpatient basis. The surgery involves the removal of damaged portions of the bones and implanting artificial parts. Joint replacement can relieve severe osteoarthritis pain and significantly improve mobility.

To learn more about osteoarthritis management and how it can help you, talk to the Advanced Orthopedics & Sports Medicine team. Call their office or book an appointment online today.